What is a Section 278 Agreement?

A Section 278 Agreement is a legal agreement between a developer and a highway authority to carry out highway works.

A Guide To Town & Country Planning & Highways Law

At Wollens, we understand that navigating the complexities of planning law and highways agreements can be daunting. Whether you’re a developer, landowner, local authority, or rural business, our planning and highways specialists are here to help you unlock opportunities and overcome legal challenges.

Building Specialist Expertise and Visibility

Our approach begins with specialist knowledge. Wollens has a niche Planning & Highways team focused on:

Planning applications, appeals, and enforcement notices
Highways agreements under Sections 38, 104, 106, and 278
Compulsory purchase orders and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) issues

We bring proven experience in public procurement and regulatory frameworks. This foundation allows us to advise confidently on complex statutory matters.

Targeting Key Client Segments

We tailor our services to meet the needs of:

Developers and landowners: Helping maximise land value through planning permissions and infrastructure agreements, often in conjunction with architects and planning consultants.
Local authorities and housing associations: Supporting the drafting and negotiation of planning obligations and highways agreements.
Agricultural and rural clients: Building on our expertise in agricultural determinations to assist with rural diversification and planning projects.

Strengthening Relationships with Authorities

Effective planning requires collaboration. We actively engage with:

Councils, and Highways England
Local planning committees and infrastructure planning bodies
Regional forums such as the Exeter Chamber of Commerce, where Wollens is already a partner
These relationships help us stay ahead of local development frameworks and infrastructure plans.

Collaborating with Complementary Professionals

We believe in the power of partnerships. Our team works closely with:

Surveyors, architects, and planning consultants on joint development bids
Construction and engineering firms to provide bundled legal support for infrastructure projects
Our colleagues in the Corporate Commercial, Commercial Property and Dispute Resolution teams at Wollens, providing you with a “full spectrum” service.

Ready to talk? Whether you’re planning a new development, navigating a highways agreement, or seeking advice on rural land use, Wollens is here to help. Contact our Planning & Highways team today to explore how we can support your goals.